Suitcase

ABSTRACT

Luggage of the type comprising a pair of interlocking shell members provided with recessed locking and latching means. The locking/latching device is placed in a recessed cup. Fastening means normally covered by a lock member extends through the shell to an internal channel. The assembly is simply installed with a minimum of labor.

United States Patent Inventor Arnold Kaplan 5 1 References Ci A 1 N0gzgaierbach AWL, Hewlett Harbor, N.Y. UNITED STATES PATENTS lf 30, 19683,125,874 3/1964 Gehrie Patanted Jan. 2 3, l 62,034 12/ l 964HUITlphflGS 3,371,511 3/1968 Atkmson 70/71 3,405,788 10/1968 Alford /49Primary ExaminerDonald F. Norton Attorney-Leonard H. King SUITCASE 9 7Drawmg ABSTRACT: Luggage of the type comprising a pair of inter- U.S.Cl190/49, ck g sh me bers provided with recessed locking and 70/70latching means. The locking/latching device is placed in a lnt.C1 E05b65/52 recessed cup. Fastening means normally covered by a lock Field ofSearch 190/49, 50, member extends through the shell to an internalchannel. The

28; 70/69-76 assembly is simply installed with a minimum of labor.

0 a .'I" Q I .n: 1 .1 44 i 12% film I 11X .xxvi svb PATENTEU M26 I9?! IN VENTOR. ARNOLD KAPLAN AT? axe/way SUITCASE This invention relatesgenerally to suitcases and more particularly to an improved frameassembly in combination with a lock mounted substantially flushtherewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In its most basic form a suitcase iscomprised of two opposed frame members hingedly secured to each other. Ashell, that may either be soft or hard, is attached to each frame memberto define a clothes compartment therebetween. In an effort to create anaesthetically appealing product, designers attempt to conceal thehardware, such as locks and hinges, or at least make them as unobtrusiveaspossible. Generally the frames are extruded with a longitudinalchannel and the hardware, particularly the locks, are located in thechannel. A still further refinement made by designers is to conceal, asmuch as possible, the fasteners that secure the locks to the frame. Aswill be brought out in greater detail hereinafter, the present inventionprovides an improved and novel frame assembly that permits asubstantially flush mounting of the lock hardware and, in addition,simplifies the assembly procedure.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide animproved, aesthetically appealing suitcase.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved suitcaseframe assembly that permits the hardware and particularly the locks tobe substantially flush with the frame.

An additional object of this invention is to provide improved mountingmeans for a suitcase frame that includes an interior channel and a cupextending through an opening in the frame, the cup being nestinglysecured to the channel with the frame sandwiched therebetween and withthe lock being disposed in the cup.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a frame, asdescribed above, in combination with the opposed shells of a suitcase.

A feature of this invention is that the suitcase hardware, andparticularly the locks thereof, are mounted substantially flush with theframe and that the fasteners used to secure the locks in place areconcealed.

A specific object of this invention is to use the same fasteners forsecuring the locks, the lock mounting cup and the interior channel tothe suitcase frame.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the invention will,in part, be pointed out with particularity and will, in part, becomeobvious from the following more detailed description of the inventiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which forms anintegral part thereof.

In the various figures of the drawing like reference charactersdesignate like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suitcase ofthe type that may employ the improved frame and lock'mounting aspect ofthis invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the improved suitcase frameassembly comprising this invention with the opposed suitcase shells, thelocks and the handle removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the suitcase frame assembly shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional elevational view of the upper portionof the frame assembly; I

FIG. 6 is an exploded, fragmentary plan view of a portion of the twosections comprising the frame and locks assembly of this invention; and

FIG. 7 is transverse sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1, the suitcaseis generally designated by the reference character 10 and comprises aperipheral frame 12 to which is suitably secured opposed, concave shellsl4 and 16. A handle 18 and locks 20 are fastened to the top section ofthe frame 12 in the embodiment illustrated. However, it should be notedthat the invention is not limited to the particular lock constructionshown in the drawing which is of the double action latch type similar inconstruction and mode of operation to that shown in U.S. Pat. No.3,162,034, having a spring biased latch portion that pivots upwardly andwhich cooperates with a laterally extending hook: Nor is the inventionlimited to the hard shells that are illustrated.

As may be seen in FIGS. 2-7 the frame I2 is comprised of two congruentsections 22 and 24, each of which is defined by four sides and connectedto each other by hinges 25 (FIG. 3). Each frame section may be acontinuous extrusion that is bent to form the needed comers or the sidesmay be an extrusion that is cut to the required lengths which are thenjoined by cast corners as taught in my issued U.S. Pat. No. 3,330,389granted on July ll, I967. As mentioned above, the invention is notlimited to the top opening suitcase that is illustrated but may also bepracticed with a bottom opening suitcase in which each frame section hasonly three sides. FIGS. 6 and 7 clearly show that the outer surface offrame sections 22 is formed with integral parallel, continuous ribs 26which define a recess 28 therebetween. The side of frame section 22 alsoincludes an integrally formed, continuous notch in which shell 14 issecured in a conventional manner. Similarly, frame section 24, includesan integral, continuous notch to receive shell 16 in a conventionalmanner. In the closed condition the opposed, peripheral edges of framesections 14 and 16 abut each other.

The top side of frame section 22, that is the side in which handle 18 issecured, is provided with two elongated openings 30 that are formed inthe recess 28 between the ribs 26. Elongated cups 32, which may bemolded of a suitable plastic, and which have a peripheral, laterallyextending flange 34, are mounted in the openings 30 so as to receive thelocks 20. FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate that the cup flanges 34 rest on theouter surface of the top side of frame section 22 while the four sides36 thereof extend through openings 30 in the frame section 22. The cups32 are completed by a bottom wall 38 that is located inwardly of the topside of the frame section 22 in spaced parallel relationship thereto.Openings 40 are formed in the side walls 36 of the cups 32 for a purposeto be described later.

An elongated channel 42, having two laterally spaced side walls 44 and atransverse, connecting base wall 46, is posi- I tioned inwardly of theframe section 22 such that the top edges of the sidewalls 44 abut theunderside of the top side of frame section 22 and the base wall 46 isspaced therefrom inwardly of bottom wall 38 of the cup 32. Rivets 48pass through registered openings in the base wall 46 and the bottom wall38 as well as a mounting bracket 50 in the locks 20. This construction,as shown in FIG. 7, securely clamps the frame section 22 between theupper ends of the sidewalls 44 and the cup flanges 34. Further the locks20 are recessed in the cups 32 which are in turn nested within theelongated channel 42 so that the top surface of the lock 20 is eitherflush with or slightly below the level of the cup flanges 34. One leg 44of the channel 42 is provided with two, longitudinally spaced slottedopenings 52 for a purpose to be described later.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, lock 20 which isdisclosed as being exemplary of the structure that is presentlyavaliable is of the double acting type having a spring biased bodyportion 54 that is pivotally mounted on the plate 50 in such a manner asto overlay and conceal the rivets 48, at least when the lock 20 is inthe closed position. A spring biased latch 56, integral with the lock 20and positioned within the cup 32, is coupled to and arranged to move ahook 58 that extends laterally from the body portion 54 so that the bodyportion 54 may be pivoted upwardly to the open position. The hook 58extends beyond the interface of the frame sections 22 and 24 whereby thefree end of the hook 58 is releasably engaged by a bracket 60 that issuitably positioned and secured to the frame section 24. As shown inFIG. 5 and in FIG. 6, the bracket 60 is substantially L-shaped and, for

receiving the hook 58, includes a slotted aperture 62 in the leg thereofthat is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the framesection 22 on which the lock is mounted. To open the lock 20 the latch56 is moved inwardly of the body portion 54 to free the hook 58 from theaperture 62 whereby the shells 14 and 16 may be separated. To close thelock 20 the shells M and it: are brought together until the framesections 22 and 24 are in abutment and the hook 58 is located in theaperture 62. The lock 20 is then depressed into the cup 32 therebyovercoming the spring biasing thereof and causing the hook 58 toreleasably engage the bracket 60.

The channel 42, in addition to its function described above with respectto the locks 20, also serves as means to mount the handle 18. Holes 64are provided in the central area of the channel 42 intermediate the endsthereof and fasteners (not shown) are used to secure the handle 18 tothe frame section 22 as well as the channel. It it should also be notedthat channel 42 serves the additional purpose of stiffening the side offrame section 22 that includes the handle 18. It is this frame and theone parallel to it that will absorb a bending force when a heavilyloaded suitcase is lifted. Thus, the U-shaped cross section of channel42 rigidities the top frame section of a top opening suitcase and thebottom frame section of a bottom opening suitcase.

As mentioned above, the cup 32 is provided with suitably located slottedopenings 40 in the opposed, longitudinal sidewalls 36 thereof. Thepurpose of the openings is to permit the hook 56 to pass therethrough toengage bracket 60. Even though only one opening 40 is used for each lock20, two are provided. In this manner a single molded cup 32 can be usedfor both the right-hand lock 20 and the left-hand lock 20. In theassembled condition slotted openings 52 in the channel leg 44 are inregistry with the longitudinally spaced openings 40 in the sidewalls 36of each cup 32. The openings 52 in the chan nel leg 44 are in registrywith the longitudinally spaced openings 40 in the sidewalls 36 of eachcup 32. The openings 52 in the channel leg 44 are provided to permit thehook 58 to pass therethrough to engage bracket 60.

From the foregoing it will be evident that there has been described andillustrated an improved suitcase in which novel means are employed tomount the lock hardware substantially flush with the frame. Thefasteners used to secure the locks to the suitcase frame are concealedand the frame section that includes the locks is rigidified by means ofan internal channel. The same fasteners used for the locks are also usedto secure the channel and the lock mounting cups to the suitcase frame.Assembly of the present invention does not require highly skilled laborwhich is a very important cost consideration. Further the presentinvention is readily adapted to many dif ferent types of suitcase.

There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiment of the inventionpresently contemplated and it is to understood that various changes andmodifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. An improved luggage case comprising, in combination:

a. first and second shells;

b. first and second frame sections secured to said first and secondshells, respectively, to define a hollow compartment, said first framesection having an opening therein;

c.- at least one lock assembly mounted on said first frame section;

d. means for supporting said lock assembly substantially flush with theouter surface of said first frame section, said support means includinga cup having a flange positioned on the outer surface of said firstframe section, sidewalls extending from said flange, inwardly of saidfirst frame section through the opening therein and a base wall, saidsupport means further including a channel in which said cup and saidlock assembly are nested, said channel having legs disposed in planessubstantially perpendicular to and in engagement with the inner surfaceof said first frame section and a base wall connecting said legs; and

e. fastener means extending through said base walls of said cup and saidchannel and terminating in said lock as sembly for rigidly securing saidsupport means to both said first frame section and to said lock assemblywhereby said fastener means are not visible from the outside of saidluggage case.

2. A luggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein there are two ofsaid lock assemblies spaced apart on said first frame section, therebeing a separate cup for each said lock assembly.

3v A luggage case in accordance with claim 2 wherein said channel spansboth said lock assemblies.

4. A luggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one ofsaid channel legs and a sidewall of said cup have registered openingstherein, said lock assembly having a hook portion extending through theopenings in a direction toward said second frame section, there beingfurther included means on said second frame section there being furtherincluded means on said second frame section to retain said hook whensaid luggage case is closed.

5. A luggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first framesection is extruded and includes spaced, parallel ribs formed on theoutside surface thereof, said cup and said lock assembly beingpositioned intermediate said ribs.

6. An improved frame for a luggage case having first and second opposedshells secured to each other to define a hollow compartmenttherebetween, said frame comprising, in combination:

a. first and second sections secured to the first and second shells;

b. at least one lock assembly mounted on said first section;

c. means for supporting said lock assembly substantially flush with theouter surface of said first frame section, said support means includinga cup having a flange positioned on the outer surface of said firstframe section, sidewalls extending from said flange, inwardly of saidfirst frame section through the opening therein and a base wall, saidsupport means further including a channel in which said cup and saidlock assembly are nested, said channel having legs disposed in planessubstantially perpendicular to and in engagement with the inner surfaceof said first frame section and a base wall connecting said legs; and

d. fastener means extending through said base walls of said cup and saidchannel and terminating in said lock assembly for rigidly securing saidsupport means to both said first frame section and to said lock assemblywhereby said fastener means are not visible from the outside of saidframe.

7. A frame in accordance with claim 6 wherein there are two of said lockassemblies spaced apart on said first section, there being a separatecup for reach said lock assembly.

8. A frame in accordance with claim 7 wherein said channel spans bothsaid lock assemblies.

9. A frame in accordance with claim 6 wherein at least one of saidchannel legs and a sidewall of said cup have registered openingstherein, said lock assembly having a hook portion extending through theopenings in a direction toward said second section, there being furtherincluded means on said second frame section to retain said hook whensaid luggage case is closed.

1. An improved luggage case comprising, in combination: a. first andsecond shells; b. first and second frame sections secured to said firstand second shells, respectively, to define a hollow compartment, saidfirst frame section having an opening therein; c. at least one lockassembly mounted on said first frame section; d. means for supportingsaid lock assembly substantially flush with the outer surface of saidfirst frame section, said support means including a cup having a flangepositioned on the outer surface of said first frame section, sidewallsextending from said flange, inwardly of said first frame section throughthe opening therein and a base wall, said support means furtherincluding a channel in which said cup and said lock assembly are nested,said channel having legs disposed in planes substantially perpendicularto and in engagement with the inner surface of said first frame sectionand a base wall connecting said legs; and e. fastener means extendingthrough said base walls of said cup and said channel and terminating insaid lock assembly for rigidly securing said support means to both saidfirst frame section and to said lock assembly whereby said fastenermeans are not visible from the outside of said luggage case.
 2. Aluggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein there are two of saidlock assemblies spaced apart on said first frame section, there being aseparate cup for each said lock assembly.
 3. A luggage case inaccordance with claim 2 wherein said channel spans both said lockassemblies.
 4. A luggage case in accordance with claim 1 wherein atleast one of said channel legs and a sidewall of said cup haveregistered openings therein, said lock assembly having a hook portionextending through the openings in a direction toward said second framesection, there being further included means on said second frame section, there being further included means on said second frame section toretain said hook when said luggage case is closed.
 5. A luggage case inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said first frame section is extruded andincludes spaced, parallel ribs formed on the outside surface thereof,said cup and said lock assembly being positioned intermediate said ribs.6. An improved frame for a luggage case having first and second opposedshells secured to each other to define a hollow compartmenttherebetween, said frame comprising, in combination: a. first and secondsections secured to the first and second shells; b. at least one lockassembly mounted on said first section; c. means for supporting saidlock assembly substantially flush with the outer surface of said firstframe section, said support means including a cup having a flangepositioned on the outer surface of said first frame section, sidewallsextending from said flange, inwardly of said first frame section throughthe opening therein and a base wall, said support means furtherincluding a channel in which said cup and said lock assembly are nested,said channel having legs disposed in planes substantially perpendicularto and in engagement with the inner surface of said first frame sectionand a base wall connecting said legs; and d. fastener means extendingthrough said base walls of said cup and said channel and terminating insaid lock assembly for rigidly securing said support means to both saidfirst frame section and to said lock assembly whereby said fastenermeans are not visible from the outside of said frame.
 7. A frame inaccordance with claim 6 wherein there are two of said lock assembliesspaced apart on said first section, there being a separate cup for reachsaid lock assembly.
 8. A frame in accordance with claim 7 wherein saidchannel spans both said lock assemblies.
 9. A frame in accordance withclaim 6 wherein at least one of said channel legs and a sidewall of saidcup have registered openings therein, said lock assembly having a hookportion extending through the openings in a direction toward said secondsection, there being further included means on said second frame sectionto retain said hook when said luggage case is closed.